When the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Mac Jones earlier this year, they thought they were getting a capable backup who could keep the offense afloat in case Trevor Lawrence missed time. It didn't turn out that way, at least it didn't against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.
With Trevor Lawrence dealing with a shoulder injury, Jones got the start against Minnesota. He was underwhelming, going 14-of-22 for 115 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Granted, he didn't get much help from his receiver, but the point is that the former Alabama standout couldn't come through when the Jags needed him.
But even if Jones were playing at a starting level, he's set to become a free agent next year, and given the demand at the position, his chances of returning to Jacksonville are slim.
When you take into account that Lawrence has dealt with injuries the past two seasons, it would be a good idea to acquire a good backup in case he has to miss time (again). The Jags do precisely that in the third round of this year's draft.
Jaguars 2025 draft - Round 1, pick 1: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Two-way star Travis Hunter is poised to be a top-10 draft pick, and several teams will try to make a run for him. The trouble is that he's yet to declare whether he'll be lining up at wide receiver or cornerback in the NFL, and everyone will be paying close attention. After all, playing both on a full-time basis won't be sustainable.
Once Hunter announces what position he will play, the number of clubs interested in his services will probably change. But for the sake of the argument, let's say he'll be a receiver, and the Jags take him with the first overall selection. The selection could be controversial.
After all, the last receiver who went first overall was Keyshawn Johnson in the distant year of 1996. Moreover, the Jaguars already have a bonafide No. 1 in Brian Thomas Jr. But will any of that matter if Hunter turns out to be a good WR2 for the next 10-12 years? Probably not. What's important is that Jacksonville doesn't mess up the selection.
Sure, there will be ample options with the first overall pick, but the Colorado standout would be a relatively safe bet.
Jaguars 2025 draft - Round 2, pick 33: Wyatt Milum, OT, West Virginia
The Jags plugged in Walker Little at left tackle after trading Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings. The front office will probably give the former Stanford Cardinal to prove that he's the long-term answer at the position. However, he's set to become a free agent in 2025 and may want to see what's out there, especially if he plays well the remainder of the season.
If Little leaves, Jacksonville can target Wyatt Milum early in the second round. The West Virginia product doesn't have elite athleticism but he has more than enough and plenty of strength to play the pros. While he needs to work on his overall technique, he fares well in pass protection and as a run blocker.
Milum is far from flashy but he can step in at left tackle if Little walks in free agency. Conversely, he could sit behind Little while he hones his skills, and he can be thrust into action once he's ready.
Jaguars Round 3, pick 62: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Carson Beck is projected to go in Round 2, but if he somehow managed to fall to the third, the Jaguars should waste no time turning in the card with his name on it. After all, he plays a premium position and potentially landing a backup of his caliber at this point of the draft would be a heist.
You could argue that you shouldn't use a mid-round pick on a quarterback when you have Trevor Lawrence in the mix, but the truth is that you want to have insurance at the position that has the biggest impact on the outcome of a football game. Beck would provide it.
Seen as a starting-caliber quarterback, Beck's accuracy decreases when he's on the move. Moreover, he doesn't have great arm strength. But other than that, he has all the qualities you want at the position.
Jaguars Round 3, pick 92: Tate Ratledge, RG, Georgia
In case you were wondering, the Jaguars got an extra third-round selection when they agreed with the Minnesota Vikings to move down from No. 17 to No. 23 in the 2024 draft in exchange for three selections. One of them is in the third round next year, and they could use it to bolster the offensive line.
After all, right guard Brandon Scherff is entering the last year of the contract he signed in 2022. He's not nearly as dominant as he was during his Pro Bowl days, so the Jaguars should consider looking for his heir apparent in the draft. At No. 92, Tate Ratledge should be available.
Ratledge has mostly lined up at right guard at Georgia, so he could replace Brandon Scherff right away. He's got all the athletic traits and power you want at the position, and it wouldn't be shocking if he ends up being a Day 1 starter.